"We wanted to be a top-five defense," said point guard T.J. McConnell, who had a critical steal late in a 70-64 victory over San Diego State in the regional semifinals. "We've been that for most of the year. We knew if we played defense, we'd win."

McConnell leads Arizona in steals at 1.8 per game, and Close says, sets the tone by pressuring the ball. Guard Nick Johnson, listed at 6 feet 3 and 200 pounds, can guard any position other than center.

"He is a bear," Close said.

Forward Aaron Gordon is more fundamentally sound on defense than most freshmen, and 7-foot center Kaleb Tarczewski generally protects the rim well.

"That won the game for them," Close said of the defense the Wildcats played in ousting San Diego State. "They hang their hat on it. That's why they won their championship. That's why they're still alive."

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